Anyone can make a huge difference in the lives of girls around the world by celebrating the First Annual International Day of the Girl on Thursday, October 11, 2012.
The United Nations officially recognized the International Day of the Girl 10 months ago, and since then organizations from around the world have planned events to celebrate. I serve as a Teen Advisor for one such organization, Girl Up, which is a United Nations Foundation campaign that raises funds and awareness for girls in developing countries. Girl Up hopes to mobilize its more than 250,000 constituents to raise awareness for the issues girls face worldwide and to fundraise for United Nations programs that benefit girls.
There are several easy things that you can do today to join the movement to support girls and women around the globe.
Spread the word – Post on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media about the International Day of the Girl. Be sure to post links to articles that talk about events happening to celebrate the day and share this video about the International Day of the Girl produced by 10×10, one of Girl Up’s partners.
Here are some sample social media posts to help you get started:
- There are 600 million girls in developing countries – with our help, they can change the world. #dayofthegirl
- Girls everywhere deserve the same opportunities that many of us enjoy in developed countries. Agree? Join the @Girlup movement here: girlup.org
- We unite so girls can reach their full potential through education. Read about the challenges girls face and what we can do to help: http://www.ungei.org/
Donate. A small amount of money can change someone’s life forever. While solutions to global problems might seem incredibly expensive, a small amount of money can
change someone’s life forever. Consider donating to Girl Up or another worthy organization to help a girl reach her full potential.
Lend your voice – Write, email, or call your Representative to voice your support for the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2012 (H.R. 6087). The bill is currently in committee, so it is really important that the legislators realize that preventing child marriage is a high priority to their constituents.
Let your elected representatives know that you care about legislation that impacts girls and women around the world.
While solving global problems might seem overwhelming, little actions can make a big difference! Social media gives all of us the chance to share our thoughts around the globe, and $5 donations and quick letters to your representatives are vitally important to the success of our campaign to improve the lives of girls and women around the world.
In order to truly make a lasting change, we can’t leave half of the population behind. Investing in girls and women is the key to making the world happier, healthier, and better for all.
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In 2011 i did research on early forced marriages in order to develop a film script about this cruel act. The film is planned to be produced in 2013. I was also motivated when I listened to our Father delivering his speech about early forced marriage. As a society we need to fight this barbaric idea. If there is a way for me to meet our father and share my views regarding the film, it would be a great honor indeed.